Starting a Book Distribution Team: The Facts

80% of preschool and after-school programs serving low-income populations have no age-appropriate books for their children. footnote 1

A recent study shows that while in middle-income neighborhoods the ratio of age-appropriate books per child is 13 to 1, in low-income neighborhoods the ratio is 1 for every 300 children. footnote 2

The most successful way to improve the reading achievement of low-income children is to increase their access to print. Communities ranking high in achievement tests have several factors in common: an abundance of books in public libraries, easy access to books in the community at large and a large number of textbooks per student. footnote 3

Commit yourself and a team of your friends and neighbors to help increase reading achievement and literacy by joining United We Serve. This tool kit will give you the basics to run a book drive, organize your group, and make an impact.

What will you do to help increase reading and literacy?

1. Neuman, Susan B., et al. Access for All: Closing the Book Gap for Children in Early Education. Newark, DE: International Reading Association, 2001, p. 3.